Dolphins vs. Titans

Published 5:30 am, Friday, September 7, 2001

7:30 p.m. Sunday, ESPN

·
Dolphins update
: Defense was hardly a problem last season for the Dolphins, who ranked sixth in the league. They could stand to improve against the run, but they display a potent pass rush and feature two of the best cover corners in the NFL. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, linebacker
Zach Thomas
, defensive tackle
Daryl Gardener
and defensive back
Patrick Surtain
are banged up for the season opener. But they will be on the field. How long the defense is on the field will be determined by how quarterback
Jay Fielder
and the offense control the clock.

·Titans update: Quarterback Steve McNair and running back Eddie George saw limited action in the preseason because of injuries, so you have to wonder if they're 100 percent healthy and ready for a defense like Miami's. But as is always the case, Titans coach Jeff Fisher won't ask his offense to win the game; he hopes they won't lose it.